Legation of the
United States,
Paris, December 30, 1872. (Received
January 18.
No. 739.]
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
M. de Rémusat to
Mr. Hoffman.
Versailles, December 28,
1872.
Sir: By the letter which you did me honor to
write on the 22d October last you informed me that the manufacturers of
agricultural implements in the United States have complained to the
Federal Government that their manufactures are subjected in
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France to a higher duty than
similar articles manufactured in England. At the same time you expressed
the wish to be informed if this difference really exists, and what is
the reason for it. You asked, besides, if the new treaty of commerce
between France and Great Britain would modify, in any way, the duties on
these articles.
The inequality of which American industry complains arises from the fact
that the convention of October 12, 1860, between France and England,
stipulated for a special tariff for implements of British manufacture,
while no arrangement of this kind having been made between France and
the United States, the products of the Union, like those of all other
countries not parties to this contract, are subject to the duties of our
general tariff, as fixed by the law of April 18, 1857.
As regards the dispositions of the new treaty of commerce between France
and Great Britain, they make no changes in the tariff on agricultural
implements constructed exclusively of brass, iron, and steel. Those in
whose construction there enters either wood or copper will pay, in
addition to the duties they now pay, a surtax corresponding to the
duties imposed upon undressed (“brut”) wood or on raw copper by the law
of the 26th of July last.
I have the honor, sir, to communicate to you these explanations and
information, to obtain which my department has been obliged to
communicate with the ministry of the finances.
Receive, sir, &c., &c., &c.
